Caught in a Christmas Conundrum

Christmas Tree, PA Sweet Romcom #6

by Jessie Gussman

When Kate’s small-town bakery is double-booked for the town’s two holiday festivals, she’s caught in a Christmas conundrum.

Her only option is to ask her longtime rival, BBQ king, Lucas, for help.

Sparks fly as they clash over recipes and decorations, but as they race against the clock to save both events, Kate starts to see a different side of Lucas.

Could this conundrum turn enemies into something more this Christmas?

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Romance

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2024

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Kate sees Lucas as her enemy, or at least, her competition, but they are going to have to work together if the Christmas Tree festivals are going to succeed! Even the aprons that they wear exemplify their competitive natures and produce a bit of humor. Short and sweet but with some thought provoking wisdom on the side.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Lucas are business rivals, (at least she thinks so), who agree work together to help save the town’s two Christmas festivals . They must put aside their grievances, doubts and concerns in order to keep the holidays bright for their fellow citizens. Most of the rivalry is on Kate’s side, mainly because he has won a contest while she has come in second for the last five years. Her disappointment and perfectionism have set the stage for their apron wars and for her not being friendly. When she asks for a truce and his help, Lucas agrees. Not only because it is in the best interest of the town and his own business, but he also hopes that he can show her that they don’t have to be rivals. He has secretly wanted to date her for awhile now. Maybe after these festivals, Kate will give him a chance. He doesn’t know that Kate does find him attractive and the animosity is a shield to guard her feelings as well as to keep some distance between them. Working together gives them a chance to see each other in a new light, shift perspectives, establish a connection and a friendship rather than just a rivalry.

There are quite a few life lessons packed into this lighthearted and entertaining novella. I especially like when Lucas tells Kate that he wants them both, and the whole town, to be successful. Another’s success does not take away from anyone else’s, rather it is a matter of lifting each other up. It is something we can all apply in our own lives.

This book is very enjoyable and I will happily recommend it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth and last book in this fun Christmas series of short stories. They all happen in the same town of Christmas Tree, PA. Even though there is mention of characters from other books each one is fine as a standalone story. This one is about Kate and Lucas who have been longtime BBQ competitors. She thinks he doesn’t like her.

Kate is trying to grow her business and she has been hired for the town’s Christmas festival to cater the food. She is overwhelmed when she discovers they have been hired to cater both of the town’s two holiday festivals. With their names being so similar she hadn’t caught the situation so now she’s caught in a Christmas conundrum. There’s no way her staff can get the food to both festivals and she needs more refrigerators to keep the food. She has no other option than to ask her rival Lucas for help.

I really liked Lucas as he had no problems with Kate. He actually had a crush on her and would love to ask her out. He goes out of his way to help Kate out and they discover they actually work quite well together as they spark each other’s creativity.

Will Kate be open to more interaction with Lucas after their work for the festival is finished?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story with characters you can’t help but enjoy. The h is a caterer who has double booked for two festival meals that are occurring simultaneously in different places in town. She can’t make her commitments with out help. She decides that she needs the help of the H who is her competitor and who she dislikes. Not having any choice she asks him for help and he immediately agrees to do so. As they work together doing the prep she finds out that her options of him are all wrong. He is surprised at her low opinions of him because he has always thought highly of her and even has a crush on her. They work well together and get all the prep done in time. He even lets her use his refrigerator for storage overnight. The next day they prepared the meals and delivered them meeting the deadlines. Because of their interactions the h realizes she actually loves the H. He sacrificed his business and his profits for her and her reputation. In the end they get their HEA. Hope you enjoy your read as much as I did.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught In A Christmas Conundrum is the story of how Kate has to drop her rivalry with Lucas in order to ask him to allow her to use some of his refrigerator space and to help her meet the deadline for the two festival meals her catering company has mistakenly booked. Kate booked one festival meal while her assistant booked the other. They both thought they were just working on the one festival. Now it is two days before the day of both festivals and they only have food made for one. Lucas had been the barbeque winner the last five years so he can cook if she gives him the instructions for what she is wanting cooked. They agree to cook in her kitchen. Lucas had had a big crush on Kate for a long time. He tells Kate he will help her the next two days and they will meet at midnight at the church on Saturday night for him to tell her what he wants in return. A lot of work for a date? Lucas does not think so.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate inadvertently booked two big catering jobs on the same day. The only way she can figure out how to get both jobs done is to ask her nemesis, Lucas Nearhoof, to help. To her surprise Lucas agrees with one stipulation... which he will tell her Saturday at midnight.

What will Lucas ask of Kate? Will it change their rivalry? And most importantly, who will win the apron war?

I read this clean, short, Christian romantic comedy with a smile on my face and laughter in a few places. If you have an hour, get comfy and read Caught in a Christmas Conundrum.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jessie Gussman, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate runs her catering business and unfortunately her assistant took a message for one festival and Kate took the other and they were booked for same day. Apparently, years ago two sisters had started a Christmas Tree festival then the husbands couldn’t get along so the sisters split up and the other sister started Christmas Tree Christmas festival. Kate had to end up asking her nemesis Lucas Nearhoof that ran a very successful BBQ business if she could store some prepared food in his refrigerator. Lucas ends up helping her prepare the food for both festivals. But the funniest part was the apron wars and sayings on them.

I received this ARC from the author, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This addition to the Christmas Tree, PA Christmas novella series by Jessie Gussman is an enemies to something better romance. Kate is a caterer who finds out that she and her assistant have booked two catering events for the same day. There is no way they can handle both on their own but her only solution lies in asking help from her biggest nemesis, the reigning Christmas Tree Christmas Barbecue champion Lucas, to whom she has lost to for the last five years. Their rivalry has taken on a nonverbal apron slogan war over the years but now Kate must cross the line…street…and ask Lucas for his help.
Yes, another short, sweet story by Jessie Gussman with her witty humor displayed in the apron war.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

So entertaining! Kate and Lucas are at war... only Lucas doesn't know it! He thinks their battle of the aprons is a game in Caught in a Christmas Conundrum! As always, Jessie Gussman weaves deeper truths in with the humor and romance! Kate learns that what she looked for in Lucas was all that she saw, coupled with the idea that her choices were based on her perception of him and their relationship. Her "Christmas Conundrum" forced her to stop, seek God, and look at life from a different point of view. She discovered that her perspective wasn't quite true and definitely not as satisfying or as much fun as reality! This is a delightful wrap to Jessie's charming Christmas collection set in Christmas Tree, PA!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Lucas are rivals or at least that’s how Kate has felt ever since Lucas took the BBQ competition title away from her and has managed to keep it for the past few years. Kate has a problem—she is accidentally double-booked to cater two big events—and she needs help so desperately that she asks Lucas to help her. To her surprise Lucas says yes. I loved the way the author explores the concept of competition as the characters discuss whether it is possible for anyone other than the “winner” to benefit as well. This short story was clean, romantic, and entertaining while sprinkling in a little food for thought. I enjoyed it! I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed in my review are strictly my own.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute, clean Christmas romance.

Kate is a local caterer and realizes that they a couple days before an event that they have two events booked at the same time. The confusion was because they both have similar names and was booked by the same person. In a panic, she decides to ask her nemesis, Lucas, to help. They’ve had an apron saying war going on for awhile. He does agree to help. Can they make it happen and work together?

This was a cute Christmas romance story. The apron sayings are awesome! I liked seeing how they could work things out even though one of them is more stubborn than the other. It a cute, quick read.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you overbook your catering business and realize the only way to save yourself is by asking the person you see as your rival for help, you can't help but be nervous. What if he refuses, what if he laughs at her, what if he sees this as a way to take advantage of the situation to help drum up more business for himself. The only way to find out is to go ask.
Another wonderful short story that brings together two people in what could be a stressful situation but instead gives them the chance to work together and really get to know each other.
I loved the apron war they have going on and brought about some laugh out loud moments.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these funny and sweet little novelettes by Jessie Gussman! They are a perfect escape from the craziness of the Christmas season. This one centers around the rivalry between two caterers Kate and Lucas. Lucas has the best barbecue, and Kate has the best pastries. When Kate finds herself double-booked for the local Christmas festivals, she has to ask for help from her nemesis Lucas! Soon they are finding they have a lot more in common than rival businesses.

This is a super fun and tasty little bite of a story. Guaranteed to make you hungry for more.

I received an advance reader copy for free and I am offering my opinion voluntarily.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate has accidentally overbooked her catering company and is desperate for both kitchen space and help. Her nemesis, Lucas, who lost the bid on the job would be free to help and could provide the kitchen space. Dare she ask him? He likes Kate, and doesn't know how much she hates him. Working together allows Kate to realize how wrong her attitude has been. Can she change and grow to trust Lucas? This is a sweet quick read along with some humor! Their battling humorous aprons add a fun element to this story. I received an ARC of this book and it is my honest opinion that you will really enjoy it.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in a Christmas Conundrum ~ Christmas Tree PA #6 by Jessie Gussman

The final short holiday romance story to close this heartwarming set of six stories from Jessie.
It goes without saying that this has been written brilliantly, the main characters Kate and Lucas have so much chemistry even though they are enemies brought together to save the town's holiday festival.
Will the magic of the holidays bring these two people together?
I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series to all.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Lucas have businesses that both offer food. She's hired to cater the town’s two holiday festivals and now needs his help.

He's not at all what she expected. He's nice and funny and willing to work as hard as she needs to, even though he's not getting anything out of it.

This is another short holiday treat. There is some talk of faith, but mostly it's two young adults learning about themselves and each other. I liked it. There's no HEA, but there might be a start to one.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate’s small-town bakery is double-booked for the town’s two holiday festivals. Her only option is to ask her longtime rival, BBQ king, Lucas, for help. They clash over recipes and decorations, but as they race against the clock to save both events, Kate starts to see a different side of Lucas.

This is another sweet Christmas romcom by Jessie Gussman, who always delivers likeable characters and clean romance with Christian values added in.

I received an ARC of this book, but the opinion and rating are my own.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The War of the Aprons 😊
Misleading perceptions and differing outlooks on life result in Kate disliking Lucas on site…until she has no choice but to seek his help, which changes her whole worldview!
Having inadvertently double-booked for two Christmas Town festivals causes caterer, Kate, to panic about fulfilling her obligations in order not to damage her reputation for reliability. With “rival” chef, Lucas’s willingness to help, Kate becomes a far more empathetic person. The ‘apron war’ adds a touch of humour to this cute holiday story, which I received as an ARC from the author.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kate realizes that she and her assistant have booked catering for two festivals on the same day, she knows that she does not have enough time to prepare and cater both events. Her only option is to ask her rival, Lucas, for help. Having crushed on Kate for years, Lucas is more than willing to help Kate. After working with Lucas for a short amount of time, Kate has her eyes opened and is starting to see things from a different perspective. Did she really make their cooking rivalry more than it really was? Their apron war is top-notch and a great addition to this book!

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate finds she needs to work with her nemesis in order to meet her catering obligations when she double-books. Lucas is a barbeque chef whom Kate sees as a competitor – on more than one level. But Lucas does not see Kate as a rival; in fact, he has a bit of a crush on her. Will Kate change her opinion of Lucas after working with him for two days.

This is a an enjoyable rom com with Christian principles. The characters are well-written and lovable.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in a Christmas Conundrum

This is another fantastic faith-filled short story by Jessie Gussman. When Kate realizes her catering business is overbooked for two town wide functions on the same day, she knows there is no other choice but to ask her competitor to help her pull off her largest order ever. Lucas is the barbecue King and has secretly had a crush on Kate for a long time. He is pleasantly surprised when she approaches him about helping her to supply the two town functions with food. Will working together help Kate to see that Lucas is more than a rival?

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in a Christmas Conundrum is the last book in the Christmas Tree, PA series. And like the others, it is an excellent short story. Lots of fun. Kate and Lucas both own their own food service business and although they serve very different foods they are in competition. Until Kate needs help and turns to Lucas. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion. Jessie Gussman books never disappoint me.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate has a small town bakery that gets double booked for 2 huge functions. What is she to do? Her only choice is to enlist the help of her rivel, Lucas. But can they work together and fultil the obligation? This book was a really fun read. The only thing wrong with it is it was too short. I wanted to read the rest of the story.
I did get a copy of the book from the author, but this review is all my own opinion.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have reached the end of this Short Novella Christmas series. These have been fun books to curl up with. There has been humor, faith, family, and a lot of Christmas. This was a fun rivals romance. It had an apron war (super fun with all of the sayings), cooking, small town festivals, and an enemies to more trope.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, quick read! I love the chemistry that Kate and Lucas have! Kate thinks they are enemies, but Lucas actually admires her. When Kate has to swallow her pride and ask for his help, Lucas jumps at the chance to spend time with her! Kate finds out that there is much more to Lucas than what she originally thought. The part I really loved about this book was the wittiness of their apron wars! Hilarious! I received an advance copy of this book from the author. That in no way influenced my review.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. When Kate discovers she has double booked two Christmas festival catering jobs, she wonders how she will complete both. When she asks her rival, the BBQ King, Lucas if she can borrow room in his refrigerator, he volunteers to help her. She learns not only does she have a crush on him, but he returns the feelings. Another great Christmas story in Christmas Tree, PA. This is a great series of short reads with lots of humor.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recipe for love!

Kate has accidentally booked clients to cater two Christmas events on the same day. The reputation if her business is at stake. It's too much food prep unless she has more help and the only way to get that is by asking her competitor.

Lucas can't believe Kate is asking him for help. He'll gladly give it but he wants something in return.

This is a cute, clean holiday romance. I received a free copy, but my review was honest and voluntary.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in a Christmas Conundrum is a Christian, short, fun filled, enemies to more romance. Kate and Lucas have been quite competitive but when Kate realizes she is overbooked for two events the same day, she asks Lucas for his help. I loved watching Kate see a different side of Lucas as he neglected his own business to help Kate, his long time crush. This short book had me hooked from the very beginning.

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and her assistant at the bakery, accidentally double booked for festivals on the same day. Kate has to go ask her rival, Lucas, to help her in the baking of everything that she’s got to have for the two festivals on the same day. Lucas has great suggestions, like sending her assistant to the grocery store wow Kate and Lucas get started on the baking.. this is really a cute story. Good clean romance. I do recommend this book.